In Preparation: 21st Sunday After Pentecost 2018

Greetings in Christ,

This weekend at Immanuel Rev. Gerald Kovack will be preaching. He is from Food of the Poor and will share a little bit about his ministry as well as preach at our services this weekend. Pastor Troup will be leading the liturgy and I will be preaching at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in East Carondelet as they are currently without a pastor.

It’s appropriate that we hear about feeding the poor this weekend since our Gospel text talks about the selflessness associated with our walk with Christ. Our salvation isn’t rooted in doing enough, but daily trusting in the one who has done everything for us. Even if we faithfully gave to every ministry and every person in need, we would still face condemnation apart from Christ. But, in Christ, we have eternal life and with that life, we lead a new life of sacrifice and focus on the needs of those around us.

As you prepare for the Divine Service this weekend, you can take a look at the Service Folder to find the readings, prayers, and other parts of the service that will help to guide your reflection and prayer.

Here’s the Lectionary Summary for the upcoming weekend that ties the themes of the weekend together:

Christ Jesus Is the One and Only Good by Whom You Inherit Eternal Life

The Lord is the Author and Giver of life, as well as a consuming fire of judgment against all “who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate” (Amos 5:12). “Seek the LORD and live,” therefore, by hating what is evil, loving what is good and doing what is just and right, according to His Word. “And so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you” (Amos 5:6, 14–15). Understand that “no one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). The life that you are called to live is found neither in your “great possessions,” nor in your good works, but only in Christ Jesus. Let go of “all that you have” and follow Him, even unto death, and “you will have treasure in heaven” (Mark 10:21–22). Do not harden your heart against His voice, nor turn away from Him, lest you “fall away from the living God.” Rather, hear and heed His call, cling to His Word and “exhort one another every day,” that you may remain steadfast in Christ and “firm to the end” (Heb. 3:12–15).

If you weren’t able to join us for service last week, you can catch up now.